Tight End John Carlson On The Radar

March 13, 2012, by No comments yet

The Vikings got a jump start on the crossroads they knew they would face at the tight end position when the drafted Kyle Rudolph in the second round of last year’s Draft.

This year, they still have to fill some needs at the position, and for now they reportedly have fixed their eyes on former Seahawks tight end John Carlson.

According to this tweet from PFT, the Vikings are not the only team interested in the veteran tight end.  The Colts, Bucs, Bears, Cowboys, and Seahawks have all been in contact while he is set to visit the Chiefs first.

Carlson has never truly lived up to his potential, but it seems most football minds agree that, at the very least, the potential is still there.

Vikings Defer Extra Cap Space

March 13, 2012, by 2 comments

As we had previously mentioned, the Vikings were one of the teams in line to receive an additional $1.6 million in cap space as a result of the Dallas and Washington penalties for dumping cash into the uncapped year.

As it turns out, the Vikings are one of a handful of teams that have opted to not accept that cap space for 2012, and will instead benefit from the award in 2013.

That move wouldn’t have made much sense about four hours ago, but considering the Vikings might lead the league in cap space by the end of the day, I can see their reasoning.

Things are still pretty quiet on the free agency front, folks.

And We Have Interest In (Wait For It)… A Center

March 13, 2012, by 18 comments

As Vikings fans with access to a Twitter account blow up the internet with their, I’ll put this nicely, dissatisfaction with the front office we finally have report of them talking with a player.

You might want to sit down for this one.

Shawn Zobel reports that the Vikings, along with two AFC teams, are “talking to” Packers free agent center Scott Wells.

This is surprising news, especially considering the Vikings gave current starter John Sullivan a hefty contract extension at the end of 2011, but perhaps they envision one of the two starting at guard. 

Wells is not exactly a spring chicken at age 31 and doesn’t play a position of real need, so this one is fascinating if true.

REPORT: Claiborne Could Leapfrog Kalil

March 13, 2012, by 5 comments

It has been widely assumed that if the Vikings remained at the third spot in April’s Draft, they would select USC left tackle Matt Kalil.

Now, before I go any further, it would be a mistake for me not remind you that it is never too early to begin throwing smoke screens around, and the Vikings may be doing just that.

Still, it is worth noting that an unnamed Vikings official recently told The Sports Xchange that there is still heavy debate over which prospect would be the best available at the three spot.

The report singles out LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne as a player still in the mix to be selected third overall.

“But some people here love (Claiborne),” the official said. “I mean really love him.”

Obviously these two, and also Justin Blackmon, are prospects earning high praise and have the potential to help any team they are selected by.  Also, all three positions are major needs for this Vikings team that is, so far today, being very conservative in free agency.

Letroy Guion’s Contract Details

March 13, 2012, by 5 comments

Letroy Guion is a defensive tackle that has flashed plenty of ability but failed to separate himself from the competition despite a golden opportunity in 2011.

The Vikings, however, are apparently sold on his potential and extended him a decent contract on Tuesday that could make him a low-end starter alongside Kevin Williams.

Guion’s contract is worth $9 million over three years.  He received a signing bonus in the amount of $3.565 million.

The money included in this deal suggests that Rick Spielman and Leslie Frazier have high hopes for Guion’s future with the team.  I have to admit, I like this signing, although I was hoping we would be talking about help being brought in from outside the organization by now.

Guion Returns On Three Year Deal

March 13, 2012, by 1 comment

In a move that makes sense but is highly unlikely to satisfy your free agency appetite, it is being reported that defensive tackle Letroy Guion will return to the team on a three year deal.

Terms of the deal are not yet known, but we will keep an eye out for that.

Also, if you haven’t seen by now, receiver Brandon Marshall is the newest member of the NFC North as the Bears have struck a trade with the Dolphins to acquire his services.  The Vikings secondary will have its work cut out for them this season with Marshall, Greg Jennings, and Calvin Johnson within the division.

The good news is, however, that the Bears may now be out of the running for Vincent Jackson.

Apparently It Won’t Be Carr

March 13, 2012, by 2 comments

While we all sit eagerly awaiting word of whom the Vikings will be interested in during the free agency period, for at least 15 more minutes you will have to settle for news on who they are not interested in.

Vikings Now tweets that soon-to-be free agent cornerback Brandon Carr will not be targeted by the Vikings.  Carr seems to be a good fit for the Vikings and is relatively young, so it is surprising to hear that they have no interest.

Perhaps this is a sign that the team is not looking to dedicate a large chunk of cap space to any single player.